PHILADELPHIA – After storming up the Metropolitan Division standings, the Philadelphia Flyers have fallen on hard times and faced a tough Saturday afternoon test with the Winnipeg Jets flying into town.
But Petr Mrazek made 27 saves to help the Flyers end their five-game skid with a 2-1 win.
Center Mathieu Perreault (#85) of the Winnipeg Jets stands in front of Goalie Peter Mrazek (#34) of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Claude Giroux and Andrew MacDonald struck for goals as the Flyers built a 2-0 lead.
“We had a tough stretch and we couldn’t find ways to win and it was a good test for us,” Giroux said. “Winnipeg’s a pretty good team and I think we played a responsible game tonight.”
During the losing skid, Mrazek had suddenly shown feet of clay in the crease and was not the goalie the Flyers traded for at the deadline.
“I felt pretty good from the beginning,” Mrazek said. “We all knew what kind of team Winnipeg is, they have a good power play, second in the League, playing good hockey right now on the road. We did really well defensively and it’s a big win for us.”
Patrik Laine scored his 40th of the season to cut the deficit but the Flyers limited any other Winnipeg chances.
“Now I’m not happy because we lost, but maybe tomorrow I’ll be happier,” Laine said. “I’ve got to be proud of myself, that’s a great number. But now it doesn’t feel good.”
The Jets dropped to 41-18-9 and remain in second place in the Central Division.
“He’s a special young man (Laine), 19 years old and still growing into his body, really competitive guy, wants to score,” Jets coach Paul Maurice said. “He’s going to be a good Winnipeg Jet for a long time.”
[WATCH: All Jets vs. Flyers highlights]
Connor Hellebuyck made 33 saves in taking the loss.
“I think we all believed right in to the end. It’s just one of those nights where we didn’t do it. If I was a betting man I would say majority of the time we do get that equalizer. I thought we played pretty hard tonight,” Hellebuyck said.
Right Wing Wayne Simmonds (#17) of the Philadelphia Flyers checks Defenseman Joe Morrow (#70) of the Winnipeg Jets.
Defenseman Ivan Provorov (#9) of the Philadelphia Flyers battles for the puck in front of the net against Left Wing Nikolaj Ehlers (#27) of the Winnipeg Jets.
Center Jori Lehtera (#15) of the Philadelphia Flyers battles for position against Right Wing Joel Armia (#40) of the Winnipeg Jets
Center Travis Konecny (#11) of the Philadelphia Flyers looks for the shot along with Goalie Connor Hellebuych (#37) of the Winnipeg Jets
Center Scott Laughton (#21) of the Philadelphia Flyers checks Defenseman Ben Chiarot (#7) of the Winnipeg Jets
Defenseman Radko Gudas (#3) and Center Jori Lehtera (#15) of the Philadelphia Flyers check Left Wing Nikolaj Ehlers (#27) of the Winnipeg Jets.
Defenseman Andrew MacDonald (#47) of the Philadelphia Flyers scores a goal against Goalie Connor Hellebuych (#37) of the Winnipeg Jets.
Right Wing Wayne Simmonds (#17) of the Philadelphia Flyerschecks Defenseman Joe Morrow (#70) of the Winnipeg Jets
Defenseman Ben Chiarot (#7) of the Winnipeg Jets checks Center Jori Lehtera (#15) of the Philadelphia Flyers
You must be logged in to post a comment.